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Present work was carried out in the Department of LPM, FVSc and AH (SKUAST- Kashmir) to assess the change in values of minerals like Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium due to Lactic Acid and Yeast Fermentation of poultry waste under the temperate climate of Kashmir Valley. Poultry waste in the form of dead birds and litter manure was used for this study. Nine groups with four replicates each were formulated as: G1: Dead birds; Poultry litter, G2: Dead birds; Litter manure; LB @1.0 per cent G3: Dead birds; Litter manure; LB @0.5 per cent G4: Dead birds; Litter manure; Yeast @1.0 per cent G5: Dead birds; Litter manure; Yeast @0.5 per cent G6: Dead birds; Litter manure; LB@ 1 per cent; Yeast @ 0.5 per cent G7: Dead birds; Litter manure; LB @ 1 per cent; Yeast @ 1per cent G8: Dead birds; Litter manure; LB @ 0.5 per cent; Yeast @ 0.5 per cent T9: Dead birds; Litter manure; LB @ 0.5per cent; Yeast @1per cent. At final stage of work it was recorded significantly highest (P0.05) nitrogen level of 18.2 g/kg during winter and highest nitrogen level of 17.8 g/Kg during summer in G2 group (LB@ 1%). In the final product of fermentation significantly highest (P0.05) highest phosphorus level of 0.85 g/Kg in G7 (in which LB@ 1% and Yeast@ 1% was added) during winter season and the significantly (P0.05) highest P level of 0.85 g/Kg in G5 and G6during summer season was observed. Similarly significantly (P0.05) highest potassium level observed in the final product of fermentation was 7.0 g/Kg in G7 (in which LB@ 1% and Yeast@ 1% was added) during winter season and significantly (P0.05) highest K level of 8.0 g/Kg in G3 group (in which LB@ 0.5% was added) during summer season was observed. There was a significant increase in the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium level in the final product of lactic acid and yeast fermentation of poultry waste.

The present experiment was designed for estrus induction in post-partum anestrus cattle. A total of 120 cows were examined for reproductive status, and 30 were incorporated in induction, including 24 anestrus and 6 normal cyclic cows. The cows were assigned to 5 groups (6 animals per group). The group-1 cows were induced using Ovsynch protocol, while group-2 cows were inserted TRIU-B (958 mg progesterone) intra-vaginal and were inseminated at a fixed time. The group-3 cows were supplemented with a standard chelated mineral mixture of 40 g per-oral daily for 45 days and were inseminated on observed estrus. Group-4 included normal cyclic untreated cows inseminated at estrus. The group-5 included untreated anestrus control cows. Estrus induction response was 100% in groups 1 and 2, 66.66%, and 0.00% in groups 3 and 5, respectively. The conception rate in groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were 33.33%, 50.00%, 75.00%, 83.33% and 0.00%, respectively. The mean serum progesterone in different groups increased non-significantly from days 0 to 21 post- insemination. All groups’ mean serum calcium increased significantly from day 0 to day 21. However, the mean serum phosphorus showed no such significant differences between and within the groups. It was noticed that the overall Ca:P ratio was disturbed (Ca being on the lower side) in the animals under study, which might be attributed to the animals’ anestrus condition. In conclusion, the Ovsynch, TRIU-B, and standard mineral mixture proved useful for induction of estrus and ovulation and enhancement of pregnancy rate in post-partum anestrus cows

Present work was carried out in the Department of LPM, FVSc and AH (SKUAST- Kashmir) to assess the feasibility and compost maturity in terms of temperature and bio-mineral (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) changes due to composting of poultry waste under the temperate agro-climatic conditions of Kashmir Valley. Poultry waste in the form of poultry carcass (including feathers) and litter manure was used for this study. Four treatment groups with four replicates each were formulated as: G1: Poultry carcass; litter manure, G2: Poultry carcass; litter manure; Paddy straw, G3: Poultry carcass; litter manure; effective microbes (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Rhodopseudomonas palustris) and G4: Poultry carcass; litter manure; Paddy straw; effective microbes. During the primary stage of composting the group G4 had attained a significantly (P

Chitosan is a biodegradable and biocompatible natural polymer that has been extensively explored in recent decades. The Food and Drug Administration has approved chitosan for wound treatment and nutritional use. Furthermore, chitosan has paved the way for advancements in different biomedical applications including as a nanocarrier and tissue-engineering scaffold. Its antibacterial, antioxidant, and haemostatic properties make it an excellent option for wound dressings. Because of its hydrophilic nature, chitosan is an ideal starting material for biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogels. To suit specific application demands, chitosan can be combined with fillers, such as hydroxyapatite, to modify the mechanical characteristics of pH-sensitive hydrogels. Furthermore, the cationic characteristics of chitosan have made it a popular choice for gene delivery and cancer therapy. Thus, the use of chitosan nanoparticles in developing novel drug delivery systems has received special attention. This review aims to provide an overview of chitosan-based nanoparticles, focusing on their versatile properties and different applications in biomedical sciences and engineering. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The local domestic geese breed of Kashmir Valley has now been registered as a recognized breed named ‘Kashmir Anz’, making it the first and the only recognized domestic geese breed in India as of n...

Background: Kashmir Valley, one of the temperate regions of India, has experienced an exponential increase in the milk-production over the last decades. This may be mainly attributed to massive cross-breeding of ‘Local Cattle of Kashmir Valley’ with the world-class dairy breeds like Jersey and Holstein-Friesian (HF), popularly known as Jersey-Crossbreds (JCB) and Holstein-Friesian Crossbreds (HFCB), respectively. However, no specific guidelines on their breed characteristics is available, which is crucial for their establishment, recognition and management. Precise and standardized morphological details are a primary requisite for application of advanced technologies like automation, Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics. Therefore, the present study aimed to characterize the HFCB and JCB cows. Methods: Morphologic and morphometric traits of 600 and 447 cows respectively, reared in the Srinagar district of Kashmir, were studied in detatil as per the standard methods. The null-hypothesis set was that the two crossbreds do not differ from each other. Result: It was observed that two crossbreds differed significantly (p less than 0.05) with each other in respect of the morphological and morphometrical traits like body size and weight. The study generated a baseline data on these two crossbreds, which is critical not only for their recognition, welfare and scientific management, but shall also act as a reference for global researchers to assess the results of crossbreeding superior dairy breeds in improving the genetic-merit of other breeds worldwide.

Background: Feed is the single largest input which accounts for 60-70% of the total cost of poultry production. Sheep manure is an unconventional feed relatively high in protein and energy levels and can be used in poultry diet to reduce the cost of production. Inclusion of exogenous enzymes will improve its nutritional value as it contains relatively high fibre and utilization by birds. The performance of broiler chicken fed with heat treated sheep manure (HSM) based diets supplement with or without enzyme was studied. Methods: 210 broiler chicks were randomly distributed to five groups viz. T1 (Control), T2: 5% HSM without enzyme, T3: 5% HSM with enzyme, T4: 10% HSM without enzyme and T5: 10% HSM with enzyme containing 42 chicks in each group having three replicates of 14 chicks each. Result: The chemical composition of HSM like Dry matter, Organic matter, Crude protein, Ether extract, Crude fibre, Total ash, NFE, Calcium and Phosphorus were estimated as 90.15±1.85, 71.88±1.62, 15.24±1.23, 4.22±0.86, 17.09±0.92, 28.12±1.32, 35.33±1.28, 1.15±0.08 and 0.48±0.03%. The ME (Kcal/kg) was 1565.33. The final body weight at 6 weeks of age was highest in T3 (1998.25±13.29g) and lowest in T4 (1949.22± 15.14 g). The cumulative feed conversion ratio ranged between 1.79 ± 0.083 in T1 to 1.83 ± 0.078 in T4. The cost of production per kg live weight was highest (Rs. 89.78) in T1 and lowest (Rs. 83.76) in T5 group. The benefit cost ratio was 1.14, 1.17, 1.19, 1.20 and 1.22 for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 groups respectively.

The atmosphere close to earth is composed of some major and several minor constituents in the form of gases having different concentrations. Certain substances, i.e., gases and radioactive materials, when disturbed by human activities, may produce undesirable effects on human habitat. The current studies were aimed to assess the concentrations of various constituents from sugar mills and brick kilns and their impact on environment. Seasonal data were recorded during crushing and non-crushing periods of sugar mills; however, brick kilns were operational during both periods. Random sampling was performed for air quality measurement of PM10, NOx, SO2, and data regarding human resource were collected through questionnaires. The results revealed that people exhibited symptoms of cough (26%), COPD (38%), ARI (53%) and hypertension (15.33%) during crushing period. Cough abnormalities expressed low values of 0.75 ± 0.044 and 0.32 ± 0.047 in affected and controlled areas, respectively. The PM10 concentration of 159.8 ± 1.4 and 17.7 ± 0.5 was observed in experimental areas. Systemic examination of children revealed that several children had wax in ear without any hearing abnormality, and normal BMI value was recorded as 18.80 ± 1.38 and 19.37 ± 1.35 for affected and controlled groups, respectively. It is concluded that PM10 concentration was considerable higher in ambient air than other pollutants. Brick kilns and sugar mills are the prime cause of ambient air pollution in urban areas. The environment protection agencies must keep check on new installation of these industries and also ensure proper disposing of their waste material.

A study was conducted in four major horse rearing tehsils (Beerwah, Khag, Chadoora and Budgam) of district Budgam in Kashmir valley regarding available feed resources, feeding practices being followed and nutritional status of horses. Twelve equine keeping families from each study area were selected at random. The daily dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), digestible energy (DE) and macro minerals (Ca and P) intakes by different classes of horses were calculated from the feed intakes and compared with the nutrient requirement given in the feeding standard. Adult horses were being fed rice straw, rice bran and wheat bran; however, in addition to these, bengal gram was fed in areas of Chadoora and Khag only, while maize grains was fed to the horses in Chadoora only. The horses were fed blend of spicy ingredients locally called as ‘masala’. None of the farmers offered any oil seeds/cakes, compound pelleted feed or mineral supplement to the horses, though, salt licks were allowed to the adult animals on daily basis in all the study areas. The chemical composition of all the feeds and fodders fed to horses in the study areas of district Budgam were within the ranges as prescribed for Indian feeds and fodders. While adult horses received optimum DM, the daily CP and DE intake was found to be deficient along with imbalanced Ca and P intake when compared to the standard requirements. Foals were found to get diets deficient in DM, DE, CP and Ca but surplus in P. Lactating mares received daily rations with optimum DM content, excess DE, slightly less CP and excessive Ca and P. It was concluded that the adult horses and lactating mares were being fed rations optimum in terms of quantity, but was not balanced in terms of nutrients; however, foals were fed diets deficient in both in quantity as well as quality.

Kashmir is a part of Jammu and Kashmir State of India where a large chunk of day old chicks are procured from outside the state and these chicks are transported across a distance of hundreds of kilometers over a period of several days. The long distance transport without any access to feed not only subjects the birds to early life stress but also affects their gut morphological development. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of delayed feeding on stress levels, mortality, intestinal morphometry and histomorphology of chabro broiler chicken.A total of 400 day old chabro chicks were randomly divided into 5 groups, each group comprising of four replicates of 20 birds. Chicks allotted to group-1 (G 1) were offered feed at hatchery itself whereas feeding in groups G 2, G 3, G 4 and G 5 were initiated at the farm after the delay of 12, 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively.The results revealed that the heterophil count showed a steady increase from G 1-G 5 and significantly (p0.05) higher count was found in G 3, G 4 and G 5 compared to G 1. However, the lymphocyte count showed a steady decrease as delay in feeding increased. H:L ratio followed a regular increase from G 1-G 5 and was significantly (p0.05) higher in G 3, G 4 and G 5 compared to G 1. An overall mortality of 13% was recorded during the trial and all of it occurred during first 2 weeks. The highest overall mortality of 22.50±3.23% was recorded in group G 5 followed by 17.50±6.61% in G 4. The villus height of duodenum and jejunum was significantly (p0.05) higher in G 2, G 3, G 4 and G 5 as compared to G 1. Crypt depth and muscular is thickness of duodenum was significantly (p0.05) lower in G 4 and G 5 compared to G 1.The duration of post hatch feeding delay gradually increased the stress level and mortality of birds and also decreased the length of different segments of small intestine in birds. No adverse effect on histomorphology was observed at the end of trial. Feeding at hatchery itself or feeding during transportation of birds would be a viable strategy to overcome the negative effects of delayed feeding in chicken.

Animal mortality is an integral part of livestock farming and proper disposal of these mortalities is necessary for effective disease control measures. Various disposal methods are being used throughout the world depending upon the legislations which are followed in different countries. In developing countries like India the most widely used disposal methods are the traditional methods like: burying, burning, incineration, rendering and composting. There are some environmental, biosecurity, social and economic issues associated with these methods. Environmental constraints associated with these disposal methods are like: contamination of air, soil and water particularly due to persistency of some infections like TSE (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalitis) and other prion infections. Social concerns with these traditional disposal methods are: odour and fly menace and contamination of drinking water. Similarly the economic constraints are associated with the alarming increase in the costs of raw materials like: kerosene, diesel and wood for burning. Issues are also related with the labor cost, availability of land and transportation of mortalities to site of disposal. In this review, environment and social issues, biosecurity risks and economic constraints will be discussed for each of these traditional methods.

Evaluating mineral profile of sheep, belonging to different physiological states and in different seasons, is an important indicator of their nutritional and health status. This is important to prevent health disorders which lead to production and reproductive disturbances. A total of 167 blood samples were collected in four different seasons of the year from sheep having varied physiological demands in Shuhama Alusteng area of Kashmir valley. The plasma macro-minerals such as Ca, Pi and Mg were measured using standard kits; while as micro-minerals like Cu, Zn and Fe were estimated using atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentration of Ca was below the critical level during pregnant and lactating periods, and round about the critical level throughout the year. The Mg values were just above the critical concentration in all categories of sheep throughout the year. The concentrations of Cu and Zn were above the critical levels in all categories of sheep especially during the winter season. Pi and Fe levels were adequate in all throughout the year. In addition, a good percentage of samples were deficient in one or the other mineral round the year. The results suggest that sheep in the study area should be supplemented with Ca and Mg round the year; Cu and Zn during spring, summer and autumn seasons. Also, the influence of local agro-geo-climatic conditions plus mineral interactions involving greater sample size must be studied prior to attempting the formulation of area specific mineral supplement(s). Further, the dosage should be recommended as per the physiological need of an animal. Key words: Sheep, physiological status, seasonal variation, minerals, Kashmir valley.

The study was conducted in Kashmir valley in two geographically isolated districts of Anantnag in south Kashmir and Baramulla in north Kashmir. In each district 200 buffalo rearing farmers were selected. The information was collected through personal visit on the basis of a pre-formulated and tested questionnaire. The overall means daily milk yield, peak milk yield, lactation length, lactation milk yield, service period and calving interval were 3.94±0.07 kg, 6.96±0.11 kg, 9.53±0.09 months, 1128.79±28.30 kg, 13.52±0.13 months and 23.37±0.20 months respectively. The maximum proportion (61.50%) of the farmers were having kaccha type animal house followed by pucca type (37.25%) and tin shed (1.25%) with no proper orientation of animal house was found in majority of respondents (60.50%) followed by north south (21.25%) and east west orientation (18.25). Majority (84.00%) of the respondents were having semi-intensive rearing system. Majority (99.50%) of the respondents were seen, having kaccha floor, tin as roof material (92.25%) and leveled floor (98.25%) in the animal houses. Considerable (52.50%) proportion of respondents were having double slopped roof of their animal houses followed by single slopped roof (47.50%). Almost 98.75 percent farmers were not using protection during inclement weather conditions and only 1.25 percent of respondents were using bedding and gunny bag during inclement weather.

Present study was undertaken to record the physical characteristics, morphometric traits and production traits of buffaloes in Kashmir Valley. Two geographically isolated districts with highest buffalo population viz, Anantnag in South Kashmir and Baramulla in North Kashmir were chosen. Physical characteristics, morphometric and production traits were recorded from randomly selected 150 animals each from the two districts using random sampling technique and recorded in a pre-structured questionare. Black coat colour (66.68%), black colour of muzzle (77.77%), black colour of eyelid (72.96%) black colour of hooves (71.12%) curved horns (84.07%) oriented backward and upward in 35.56% and backward, upward and forward in 28.16%. Considerable number of animals (52.22%) were having straight forehead followed by convex (46.67%) and dewlap was absent all animals. All the animals were having horizontal orientation of ear. The navel flap was absent (82.22%). 72.89 percent animals had bowl type udder, of small size (75.24%), cylindrical shape of teat (85.04%) with pointed tip of teat (65.88%). The overall mean body length, chest girth, height at withers, ear length, horn size recorded were 51.70±0.23, 76.00±0.33, 52.22±0.36, 9.16±0.08, 13.19±0.23 inches respectively.

The study was conducted in geese-rearing districts of Kashmir valley, India with the aim of studying various characteristics of geese production and management. Geese-rearing was recorded to be the primary occupation of 6.56% of farmers. Out of the total, 23.73% rearers were landless and kept geese as a subsidiary source of income. Three diverse production-systems viz. backyard (56.45%), semi-intensive (33.87%) and extensive-system (9.68%), were being practiced. Different types of houses included separate-sheds (50.00%), separate pen/cage (26.67%) and pen underneath the farmers’ house/veranda (23.33%) with only 76.47% farmers using litter-material. Feed was offered in a large bowl, on floor and on a polythene-sheet by 8.62%, 29.31% and 62.07% farmers respectively. Types of incubation nests included grass-nest placed on floor (57.41%), basket-nest (27.78% farmers) and colony-nests (57.41%). Average number of eggs set for incubation was 9.531±0.282 and age of eggs kept for incubation averaged to 24.167±1.923 days. 88.24% farmers practiced custom of placing an iron-sickle underneath the straw-bedding of the nest. Goslings were allowed to go into the water after 10.878±1.497 days of hatching.. Eggs were mostly kept for incubation while geese were sold as well as consumed by the family. In villages geese were being marketed at the farmer's door-step and in city, middlemen played a role in the marketing. It was concluded that geese-farming promises a good future in an area where water-bodies are available in plenty and rearing is carried out on a large scale adopting an extensive-rearing and free foraging feeding system.

Geese, adapted well to free range and grazing, are reared in and around the waterbodies, hence may be susceptible to various parasitic infections. Hence, a study was planned with the objective of recording the parasitic incidence in the locally reared Kashmir geese. External as well as internal parasites were recovered. The ectoparasites recovered from the anterior lower neck region of the observed geese were identified as Cuclogaster heterographus. Out of the total 150 samples, 68.67 % were positive and revealed the presence of Acaridia spp. eggs, Capillaria spp. eggs, Eimeria spp. oocysts, Strongyloides spp. eggs and Notocotylus spp. eggs. The endoparasites recovered from different portions of intestines in the present study were identified as Cotugnia spp., Notocotylus spp. and Capillaria spp.

A growth trial was carried out to study the effect of incorporating bovine colostrum as feed additive in the broiler chicken diets. A total of 192, three days old commercial broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four treatment groups with 4 replicates of 12 birds each and reared for a period of 35 days on deep litter using saw dust as litter material. The control group (T1) was offered normal broiler pre-starter and starter rations without any additive while as the groups T2, T3, and T4 were fed rations supplemented with 1, 1.5 and 2% bovine colostrum/kg feed, respectively. The results indicated that weekly body weights and body weight gains were higher and FCR was lower in the groups offered bovine colostrum supplemented rations. The highest body weight gain and lowest FCR was recorded in the group offered diets supplemented with 2% bovine colostrum/Kg of feed. There was no significant effect on feed consumption. It was therefore concluded that bovine colostrum could be incorporated in broiler diets @ 2% for better body weight and lower FCR.

Genetic appraisal of four specialized lines of quails developed at CARI Izatnagar: CARI UTTAM (CU), CARI UJJWAL (CJ), CARI SWETA (CS) and CARI PEARL (CP) were carried using quail-specific microsatellites to elucidate the present genetic constitution and diversity in light of breeding history. The microsatellite genotyping data generated from 44 polymorphic loci was analysed to arrive at various population parameters like allele distribution, polymorphic information content (PIC), heterozygosity, F-statistics, genetic distance, genetic identity and phylogenetic distribution of the four lines. Population parameters derived from microsatellite analyses were indicative of ample genetic diversity existent within and between four lines and some of the diversity indices corroborated well with the breeding history of four lines. Phylogenetic study revealed faithful clustering of individuals within a population together with no outliers however, overall relationship between the four lines thatindicated that CS and CP lines were phylogenetically closer to each other and CU stood distinctly apart, did not corroborate well with the breeding and selection history but, went down well with pair wise measures of diversity such as Nei's genetic distance and Nei's genetic identity.

Mastitis is an inflammatory disease condition of the udder affecting milk production negatively and having a serious impact on the economy of dairy enterprise. It is considered to be the most costly disease of dairy animals and losses mainly occur through discarded milk, reduction in milk yield, premature culling of animals and replacements. It is usually caused due to the effects of infection by bacterial or mycotic pathogens. Pathologic changes to milk-secreting epithelial cells from the inflammatory process often bring about a decrease in functional capacity. Depending on the pathogen, functional losses may continue into further lactations, which impairs productivity and potential weight gain by offspring. Although most infections result in relatively mild clinical or subclinical local inflammation, more severe cases can lead to agalactia or even profound systemic involvement resulting in death. Mastitis has been reported in almost all domestic mammals and has a worldwide geographic distribution. Climatic conditions, seasonal variation, density and housing of livestock populations, and husbandry practices may affect the incidence and etiology. However, it is of greatest frequency and economic importance in species that primarily function as producers of milk for dairy products, particularly dairy cattle.